Dental schools in the UK are enabling students in their final year to take final exams through online systems, according to a recent joint statement issued by the GDC. Students who are ill or self-isolating also currently have the option of taking their exams at an alternative date in some schools.

For undergraduates, the statement read: 'While most undergraduate courses in the UK are not due to finish for another two to three months, many, if not most, students have completed the necessary education, training and assessment to enable them to sit final exams. However, due to the COVID-19 outbreak, face to face final exams will not take place as scheduled.

'Dental schools and universities are now establishing online systems to enable final exams to be sat for undergraduate students in their final year of study. Arrangements are also being made by some schools to enable more than one sitting of final exams. This is so that those who are ill or self-isolating, on the date of the final exam, will be able to sit their exam on an alternative date.

'The small number of students who are fit to practise as 'safe beginners', but who have a potential area of weakness or lack of experience identified by their school, will be provided with a development plan by the relevant dental school.

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'Those who are not ready to sit final exams will be informed by their school.

'Some dental schools have advised that there may be the facility for further assessments, including resits in November. However, this is subject to need and the necessary arrangements being put in place.'

Foundation training places for graduating students will be announced as normal on 12 June, and for the time being placements will start as normal in September, or in August for those in Scotland.

The GDC has reminded students that they will only have a few weeks to complete their GDC registration, which they will need in order to start their foundation or vocational training placement in the autumn. According to the GDC there will not be a delay in processing applications as their staff will be working remotely.